2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: New trim, same pure performance

-- The 2014 WRX STI introduces a new trim, ideal for discerning
sports car enthusiasts looking for exhilarating performance
with a more refined look.
-- The Subaru WRX STI continues to offer control and confidence
for stable high-speed handling.
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to
announce the release of the 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Ultimately it's all
about power and control, and the 2014 WRX STI continues as the
ultimate-performance Subaru with its high-boost 305 horsepower
turbocharged/intercooled SUBARU BOXER engine teamed with a 6-speed manual
transmission and the exclusive Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Centre
Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru's symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive
system.
New for the 2014 model year, the WRX STI adds a new edition to its lineup.
Named for a traditional Japanese two-sided broadsword, the Tsurugi (pronounced
TSUE-roo-ghee) edition gains its fitting moniker as the addition with
enhancements to both the performance esthetics and styling of the WRX STI.
Launched exclusively for the Canadian market, this new addition is the
sophisticated, executive edition of the WRX STI lineup. This new trim
introduces 18-inch Enkei cast alloy wheels with a distinctive five-split-spoke
design, multi-reflector halogen fog lights, Xenon high-intensity discharge
(HID) headlights and mirror-integrated LED turn signals. While the rear
spoiler has been removed, an exclusively designed front lip spoiler has been
added, rectifying airflow passing below the front bumper to generate downforce
and improve stability at high speeds. Inside, the Tsurugi edition gains a
power sunroof and automatic climate control for greater comfort, auto-dimming
mirror for enhanced safety, and SIRIUS XM Radio as well as a Kicker 10-inch
subwoofer to enhance the sound system. For the first time ever in the WRX STI
lineup, this special edition also introduces leather seating surfaces for the
discerning driver. Tsurugi edition models will be easily identifiable by
unique badging, exclusive to this trim level.
Control and Confidence
The WRX STI design is based on a "wide and low" concept that gives the car an
aggressive road presence with wide front and rear track dimensions, as well as
pronounced front fenders and rear quarter panels. The design maintains a
consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity.
On the WRX STI 4-door sedan model, wide fenders stretch wider than the tail
lamps, and this accentuates a look of stability. A striking high profile rear
spoiler was exclusively designed for the STI 4-door. The design contributes to
an appropriately low drag coefficient, and the rear spoiler design means
stable high-speed handling with zero lift. The WRX STI 4-door features its own
version of the polished stainless steel quad-tailpipe exhaust.
The WRX STI delivers ultra-crisp handling along with everyday ride compliance.
High-tensile strength steel is used at key structural points and the
suspension-mounting areas. Inverted struts used for the front suspension
provide high bending resistance for quicker and more consistent performance
under hard cornering. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle
weight.
A specially tuned suspension uses pillow-ball bushings in front and stiff
bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone suspension -
these improve camber and toe stiffness.
The 2014 WRX STI features Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 summer performance tires with
18-inch Enkei aluminum wheels in a charcoal finish on the entry model or a
distinctive five-split-spoke design on the four-door Tsurugi edition, as well
as a high-lustre finish on the five-door Sport-tech Package.
The WRX STI is equipped with advanced dynamic control systems, including
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control
(VDC) system, which features a track performance-optimized mode. Hill Holder,
featured on all Impreza models equipped with a manual transmission, can
momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away
from a stop on an incline.
SI-DRIVE Offers Ultimate Control
Exclusive to the WRX STI models, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE)
technology allows the driver to tailor the car's driving characteristics by
choosing from among three selectable modes - Intelligent, Sport and Sport
Sharp - using a rotary dial on the centre console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle
performance characteristics by regulating the Engine Control Module (ECM) and
by fine-tuning the Electronic Throttle Control system. With Intelligent mode
selected, SI-DRIVE improves fuel efficiency and provides a more relaxed
throttle response curve, making it useful for commuting in traffic, for
example.
Sport mode provides quick throttle responses and powerful, linear
acceleration, making it ideal for everyday sporty driving. In Sport Sharp
mode, SI-DRIVE modifies the engine's electronic throttle mapping to deliver
super-quick throttle response to put down the power sooner.
Multi-Mode DCCD All-Wheel Drive with Three-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control
The 2014 WRX STI is exclusively equipped with the Multi-Mode Driver Controlled
Centre Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel
Drive. The system employs planetary-type differential gears with a maximum
41:59 torque split. A mechanical limited-slip type centre differential
augments an electronically controlled centre differential to enhance torque
transfer performance. Sensor inputs that include steering angle, throttle
position, RPM, lateral g, yaw, brake, ABS and wheel speed govern torque
transfer response. A helical-type limited-slip front differential and a TORSEN
torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential optimize side-to-side power
distribution, helping to prevent the inside wheels from slipping during
cornering.
The DCCD AWD system features three automatic modes. Auto mode provides the
best all-around performance for most drivers and circumstances, varying the
front/rear torque distribution automatically via the limited-slip differential
(LSD) in response to vehicle acceleration, deceleration, steering angle,
cornering force and wheel slippage. The Auto(-) mode makes less use of the
centre limited-slip differential (less locking factor) and holds the torque
bias to the rear more frequently, which yields more handling-oriented steering
characteristics. For driving on slippery surfaces, such as gravel or snow, the
Auto(+) setting tightens the LSD. In manual mode, DCCD offers six levels of
centre differential locking, allowing the driver to vary the front-to-rear
torque distribution (up to 50/50 maximum) to optimize AWD performance for
varying driving conditions.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is
standard on all Subaru models. It is important to note that, in Subaru
vehicles, traction control plays a second line of defence against wheel slip
after AWD torque distribution. In contrast, some All-Wheel Drive systems on
the market lack the performance advantage of a locking centre differential and
rely solely on traction control to redistribute torque away from slipping
wheels.
Exclusive to the WRX STI, the Multi-Mode VDC system offers the driver three
settings: VDC Normal, Traction, and Off. The Normal setting provides the
highest level of system engagement, with traction control (TCS) and VDC. The
Traction setting is more performance-oriented, employing less-restrictive VDC
and disengaging the engine torque-reduction control. The Off setting
disengages the VDC and the traction control functions.
Also exclusive to the WRX STI, the Brembo Performance Brake System uses
ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with Super Sport anti-lock brakes (ABS) and
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Front discs measure 326 mm (13.0
inches) in diameter and use 4-piston, fixed-position calipers; the 316 mm
(12.6 inch) rear discs use 2-piston, fixed-position calipers. Taking input
from a lateral g-sensor, a steering angle sensor, a yaw sensor and a brake
pressure sensor, Super Sport ABS can control the braking forces at each rear
wheel independently, which optimizes braking ability during hard cornering to
help reduce understeer. In contrast, conventional ABS systems control the rear
wheels as a pair, reducing the braking force to both rear wheels equally.
Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke,
leather-wrapped design embossed with the STI logo in its centre. WRX STI
models are further equipped with standard aluminum alloy pedals, driver's
footrest and leather-wrapped gear selector. The instrument panel's
electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces
upon engine start-up. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest
and head restraint into a single structure and are heated for added comfort in
colder temperatures. An advanced AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with six
speakers is standard. This system also includes a MediaHub for iPod/USB audio
integration with Bluetooth streaming audio and a voice-activated Bluetooth
system for mobile phone connectivity.
The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to minimize
intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep luggage compartment.
In the 5-door models, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two
tour-size golf bags with the rear seat backs in the upright position. In the
4-door sedan model, which is 165 mm (6.5 inches) longer than the 5-door, the
extra space provides for a larger, deeper trunk that can accommodate three
tour-size golf bags. A 60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo
capacity and convenience, and the 4-door also features a rear seat folding
centre armrest.
For 2014, the 5-door WRX STI Sport-tech Package features a Pioneer AVIC
connect in-dash touchscreen navigation system, smartphone integration,
AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA Bluetooth streaming audio, Bluetooth mobile phone
connectivity with steering wheel-integrated controls and Pioneer TS-A1684R
front speakers.
Subaru Safety
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) provides precise control of braking
pressure between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle load to
improve stability and stopping distances. Brake Assist analyzes the force and
stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced
emergency braking, also activating the ABS system early if needed.
All Impreza models utilize the proven advanced Subaru ring-shaped
reinforcement frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones. Front
seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all Subaru models.
The Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) features a passenger side
front seat sensor module that detects seat occupancy and passenger weight to
control airbag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features an
airbag indicator light. There are 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions,
including front height-adjustable seatbelts with electrically triggered
pre-tensioners and force limiters.
About Subaru Canada, Inc. Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario,
the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories
through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For more
information on the entire Subaru lineup, including complete specifications,
please go to www.subaru.ca.
SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.
Joe Felstein or Julie Lychak (905) 568-4959
Amyot Bachand Media Relations, Quebec Region (514) 691-9276
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ST: Ontario
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-0- Aug/13/2013 19:17 GMT